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Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Saint Helens

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start31 Aug 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Saint Helens. Classes run at Carmel College, full-time over two years. The course is free for 16 to 18 year olds.

You'll get a broad introduction to the creative industries. Units cover drawing and making, design communication, photography, fashion, textiles, 3D design, graphic design, animation, and illustration. You can specialise as your skills develop. The course is assessed entirely through coursework across six units. It carries UCAS points, so it opens a direct route into university.

You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication.

Who this course is for

The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Communication and Design is a two-year, full time Art and Design course equivalent to 3 A Levels.

The course gives students an in-depth introduction to the creative industries, along with a broad foundation of related knowledge, skills and attributes associated to the creative process.

It focuses on developing students' understanding whilst gaining a wide range of Art, Design and Communication related skills. Students will develop creative ideas, solutions and outcomes with a real industry focus.

Entry requirements

Students should be aged 16 to 18 years old. You will need any grade 4 GCSE Art and Design or grade 4 GCSE Technology including Resistant Materials, Product Design, Graphics Products, Textiles or equivalent. However, if you haven't studied Art, no problem, just come and speak to one of the tutors.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop drawing, making, and visual communication skills.
  • You'll explore a range of creative disciplines, including photography, fashion, textiles, and 3D design.
  • You'll practise graphic design, animation, and illustration techniques.
  • You'll work on live briefs set by employers and creative companies.
  • You'll build a portfolio of coursework across six units over two years.
  • You'll gain an understanding of how the creative industries work.
  • You'll have opportunities to specialise in the area that suits you best.

How you will learn

The course is assessed entirely through coursework. There are no exams. You'll complete six units over two years, with regular tutorials, one-to-one feedback sessions, and specialist workshops. Educational visits and live briefs from industry give you practical experience alongside your studio work.

What you will need to bring

Carmel College provides a materials pack at the start of the course. The centre will confirm anything else you need before you begin.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for brands and media.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital platforms.
  • Web designer, designs the look and layout of websites.
  • Fashion designer, develops clothing and textile collections.
  • Animator, creates moving image content for film, games, or online media.
  • Photographer, works in commercial, editorial, or arts photography.
  • Exhibition curator, plans and manages art or museum displays.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, a degree for those wanting to work professionally in design.
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, for those specialising in studio practice and the arts.
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Design, a degree route into the fashion industry.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, a one-year course some learners take before a degree to build their portfolio and focus their specialism.
Apply on carmel.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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